Miserable Human Being’: Justin Thomas Infuriates Fans as Savage LIV Golf Dig Goes Viral

Justin Thomas was standing all hapless at the 18th on the Southern Hills Championship Course. It was the 2022 PGA Championship and despite his brilliant display, Thomas was nowhere near winning his second major. Overnight leader Mito Pereira was teeing off at the 18th with a one-shot lead. However, it all went south for the Chilean international, who joined LIV Golf last year.

A double bogey on the final hole gave Thomas and Will Zalatoris a shot at the title. The 15-time PGA Tour winner prevailed over his compatriot with 2-under after a three-hole playoff. A year later, Thomas took a sarcastic jibe at the PGA Championship dinner, saying it wouldn’t have been possible without Pereria’s blow-up. As the clip went viral after Netflix’s Full Swing docu-series fans raked Thomas over the coals.

Justin Thomas’s toast to Mito Pereira gone wrong?

Justin Thomas was on hosting duties at the PGA Championship dinner. On the table was Brooks Koepka, the eventual winner of that year. Also in attendance was, Phil Mickelson who claimed the Wanamaker Trophy three years ago and became the oldest Major winner in history at 50 years 11 months.

Thomas rose up and raised a toast. Honoring Mito Pereira. “I am very excited to be hosting this. It is a very cool night, I know we can all reminisce about stories,” started Thomas, with Rory McIlroy sitting by his side.

Referring to the 18th hole disaster a year ago, Thomas sarcastically said, “I personally want to have a cheers to Mito Pereira because this would not happen without him.” Both Koepka and Mickelson, Pereira’s LIV golf peers, gave out hearty laughter. The Chilean wasn’t present at the scene, of course, and we are yet to get any comments from him.

Pereira is in Hong Kong gearing up for the fourth event of the calendar year. He has struggled to find his footing this year failing to come within the top 30 in the last three events on the breakaway side. Nevertheless, many of his fans didn’t take the jibe too kindly. 

Fans rip into Thomas with brutal takes

Justin Thomas already divided the Internet six months ago after getting the captain’s nod for the Ryder Cup spot. Many believed an in-form LIV golfer like Talor Gooch, and Bryson DeChambeau should’ve gotten the chance. This time, a low blow at Pereira landed him in hot waters.

One fan sarcastically tweeted that perhaps Thomas shot on his own foot with this joke. As if he needed to offer another reason for fans to pile on him, this user tweeted.

Sports journalist Michael McEwan, too, found that dig a little “crass.” However, McEwan is willing to offer him the benefit of the doubt, considering this might be an attempt at self-deprecation.

A section of the fans were already against Justin Thomas. One of them tweeted that this once again proves that the two-time Major champion is a dislikable person.

Justin Thomas had a miserable season last year, netting only four top-10 finishes from his 21 outings. He missed the cut at three of last year’s four Majors and could barely manage a T65 at the PGA Championship.

Read More: “I Don’t Think It’s That Important”: A ‘Rusty’ Justin Thomas Shakes Off the Recent Ryder Cup Commotions Aside After Gaining the Captain’s Immense Trust

One fan pointed out that this is the reason why Pereira left the PGA Tour. They hinted that the exclusive club of a section of pros, which included Thomas, looked at the others with disdain.

The Netflix docu-series has shed light on previously unseen events. Rory McIlroy, for one, was frustrated after the PGA Championship, admonishing himself for a near miss. Keegan Bradley was in tears after Zach Johnson informed him that he didn’t make it to the Ryder Cup squad. But none quite stirred the Internet like Justin Thomas.

Read More: How Much Does Justin Thomas Earn From Endorsements Per Year?